End of the line for frigate HMS Montrose
Duke-class Type 23 frigate HMS Montrose operates in the waters of the Gulf. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
After almost three decades of service, the vessel was slated for decommissioning in the UK’s 2021 previously published Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper.
Montrose was laid down in 1989 at the then Marconi Marine shipyard in Scotstoun, later commissioning in 1994 and went through a mid-life upgrade from 2014 to 2017, which saw the installation of the Sea Ceptor air defence system.
Montrose spent the last few years forward-deployed to the Gulf, achieving high levels of availability and conducting maritime security missions.
Related Articles
Rolls-Royce awarded £85 million to support RN Type 23 engine
QinetiQ to design on-shore simulator for Royal Navy
Aurora partnership secures £22 million contract to provide expert support to Royal Navy fleets
Ahead of its decommissioning, Montrose returned to the UK late last year. Since entering service, Montrose has covered over 420,000nmi.
Another Type 23 frigate, HMS Monmouth, was decommissioned in 2021.
The move leaves the RN with 11 frigates in service as part of a 17-strong escort fleet that includes six Daring-class Type 45 destroyers.
The RN fleet will not grow in numerical strength until the City-class Type 26 and Inspiration-class Type 31 frigates are entered into service.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.